YOUR CHOICE

One of the more subtle lessons in life we have to learn is this-to detach oneself from the chaos of the battlefield.Let others lose their heads,but keep your presence of mind.When voices are raised and the excuses and the accusations seem to be getting intense,it would be foolhardy to respond in kind.It is easy to lose ones ones head and succumb to irrationality in moments like this.Be detached and analyze the situation not with your feelings but from rational self.Dont lose your head,use it. Vijay The Midnight Owl

PULAU KETAM

I had heard and read so much about Pulau Ketam that finally I had to go and experience it for myself.So I called King Casey,my contractor friend and both of us landed on Pulau Ketam.We ordered some seafood.The next table of foreigners were literally tucking in the big sized crabs.I heard the compliments, "This tastes really great. Its simply delicious!!". .Later while strolling through the island,I noticed that all the toilets were angled straight into the water. So that explains why the crabs here are larger in size!!My suspicions were confirmed! That explains why they were covered under tons of chillies!!Welcome to Pulau Ketam?? Oh my God!!! Vijay- The Midnight Owl

STIIRRING

SUNRISE

Another sunrise,and this old planet of ours slowly stirs to life. And together with this planet every living creature has to stir to life too- to face anothet 24 hours.No one can tell us how the day will unfold. It may bring us moments of laughter or sadness and sorrow as those who were on holiday in Mumbai discovered.The same unpredicatability will be the rhyme and rhythem for the day.But whichever way the day decides to rhyme, one thing is for sure-theres no stoppin the sunrise or the revolving of the earth. Life must go on no matter what.God, give me the wisdom necessary to walk on this earth and handle whatever the day brings with all all its twists and surprises.Just dont let me be caught with my pants down. Vijay- The Midnight Owl

OPTIONS

In most verbal encounters- victories are negative- they lead nowhere.Keep your mind more on the aftermath of any encounter,and you will think more of the feeling you leave people with.By understanding that any victory or defeat is temporary,you will find it easier to keep yourself balanced during the thousands of spoken and unspoken battles that life confronts us with on a daily basis.The only real ending is death-I hope. Everything else is a transition. Vijay- The Midnight Owl

When guests are leaving,the mood of being reluctant to say farewell is essential.If they leave earlier on any pretext whatsoever,it means thay have deciphered your body language.
A Japanese Saying.

WMP 7773

Thats my Car No.7773. I have been receiving endless phone calls tonight and the phone is ringing incessantly.The reason? 7773 has struck first prize on Magnum tonight and the calls coming in are all congratulatory.At the time of writing, nobody seems to believe that I have not betted on this number.In fact,I had a call from Penang just now,asking me whether he could borrow RM30,000 from me as he has a pressing financial need.I just burst out in laughter over the phone. Vijay - The Midnight Owl

CLOSING THE GAPS

The most overated virtues in society today are beauty and property ownerships.At least here in Malaysia,that seems to be the trend.The need to live in places which make a statement about us.And the most not-sought-after virtue is that of silence.Have you ever been in the company of someone who chatters non-stop?Even when chewing their food,they let loose their words. I suspect their voices sounds like music in their own ears.If only they knew the truth.In situations like these,I sometimes imagine myself taking the chair I am seated on and ramming it over their heads and shouting- SILENCIO!!!
Vijay- The Midnight Owl

Of course,in real life I would never have the guts to do such a thing.

MASKS

The Mask.Every performer and actor on the crowded statge is wearing a Mask,the feelings and the emotions of the audience only lovingly embrace the Mask - a pleasant,loving an appealling face to show the audience.Should any actor by sheer carelessness or negligence make a Mask fall,a far less than attractice face will be revealed to the crowd- and one that few will forget even after the mask is restored. Vijay- The Midnight Owl

LEARNING FAST

Looks like someone out there is a fast learner.If only my students had such learning capacity-minus the obscene gestures.

FITTING IN

Try to fit in with the Company not meant for you,and you will exhaust yourself literally trying to be accepted.Face the facts.Their stripes may be similar to yours but their DNA and their concealed psychological makeup is somewhat different.We look similar but the subtle differences are all too glaring.Take your rest among those whom you can identify with as a person.Or maybe,your character traits are such you don't fit in anywhere.That's a great gifting which is rare in this age of dependability and the need to belong. Vijay- The Midnight Owl

ANOTHER WEEK

This picture reminded me of Mohave Desert in California.While there,I sometimes wander off into the desert towards a lonely tree.The place is entirely secluded. Such places evoke strange emotions which are not felt while in the city.That feeling of being alone there and you get that uncanny feeling that you are not in fact alone.Its hard to put that into words so I am not going to try. Vijay- The Midnight Owl

MY FAVOURITE COMPUTER

This is a picture of my favourite computer and friend. Each time I switch it on, immediately a hand reaches out and hands me the dough-all US Currency.I told him I have enough for the season, but he insists that I have it, for according to him, there is no one like me in all the earth.Why is everyone so generous to me? Vijay- The Midnight Owl

SUN-TZE

So to win a hundred victories in a hundred battles is not the highest excellence.The highest excellence is to subdue the enemy's army without fighting at all.
Sun-Tze(4th Century B.C.)

SURPRISE

MOST MEN ARE TERIFIED BY THE UNKNOWN AND THE UNPREDICTABLE.IT IS THE UNANTICIPATED BLOW THAT MAKES THE BIGGEST IMPACT- THIS LEADS TO CONFUSION AND PANIC.ONCE YOU ACHIEVE THIS,UNLEASH YOUR SWORD. GENGHIS KHAN.

Do not be deceived that the world had changed since the time of Genghis Khan. In modern times,ones adversaries hide their iron fist in a glove of rose coloured silk.Be caught off guard-then comes the "WHACK!!" as if from nowhere.


Vijay- The Midnight Owl;

RETREAT

Retreat is something you must do every now and then,to find yourself and detach yourself from infecting influences.And the best time to do this is in moments of difficulty,danger and the intense moment.

One word of caution though,don't detach from yourself.It would be difficult to regain one's composure after that.

Vijay The Midnight Owl

BLOODY A&^%#@!!!

The problem we all face in life is that each of us is unique and has a unique personality.Our circumstances are also unique,no situation ever really repeats itself exactly.The exception is in marriages where spouses fight over the same recurring issues.But most often we are barely aware of what makes us different-in other words who we really are.Our ideas come from our conditioning as children,firstly parents,then our culture,books,teachers,and all kinds of unseen influences.In our dealings with other people,we are easily infected by their mood and tempo.Take a breath,think before responding.This is your personal examination. Vijay-The Midnight Owl

FELLOW CITIZENS

This are fellow citizens in Malaysia- also known as Orang Utan,literally translated as Jungle Man.Although the Malaysian Goverment does not require them to carry Identification Cards,still they are not allowed to use the public transport and other public utilities.There have been around before most Malaysians.Whatever is said of them,you certainly cant accuse them of "Pendatang".But these citizens are friendly and the welcoming sort.Other homo sapeins who are getting tired of city style of living are not barred from joining their community.

Vijay- The Midnight Owl

OUR PERSONAL DATA

There is such a law as the Personal Data Protection Act.Basically,the essence of this law is that you are legally barred from infringing into anybodys privacy.Most religions teach us that somewhere in the universe there is a record of our deeds written in a book-good and bad.That somewhat is frightening to me personally.I think everyone knows that there is no such thing as a perfect record.Very certainly,mine is far from it.And if I had a chance in recording it myself,I can omit all the embarassing details.Whichever way this life ends,I think in the end,it is going to be somewhat similar to our Courtrooms-Guilty as Charged.I hope mine says- Sentence Commuted!And may your sentence,too! Vijay- The Midnight Owl

MY POSSIBLE BRIDE

Since I believe I am pass my prime,a dear friend suggested I consider a Mail Order Bride.Maybe for most bachelors my age,this is the most practical option.No time wasted on romantic niceties,no emotional exhaustion of trying to impress your fair lady,no time wasted getting ready for dates on silly and noisy movies and expensive dinners.Right,this is the perfect solution.

But the dreaded part is when the ladies relatives start visiting you- usually a large clan speaking unheard of,strange mountain dialects and whose favourite dish is dried wild boar intestines eaten with green noodles and pickled chicken feet. That is the time when you have to get a big stick and start looking for the friend who recommended this option. Vijay - The Midnight Owl

GRADES

Those are really beautiful legs.I would grade them as an 8/10- a Grade A category. but since the face is not revealed to us- we have to revert to our own observations in society.Because those who have great legs usually possess a face which comes around 2/10.This is the way nature has tried to compensate those who have less than pleasant appearances. Vijay -The Midnight Owl

Anyway,I certainly hope the above pair of legs does not belong to a tranvestite.

TIME OUT

There are at least 3 moments in time when you have to literally sit before a fan to cool off.

1.When you are really angry because after all the heated arguments they still could not see your point of view. You have wasted your breath and energy trying to convince the other person.Your opponent happens to have a skull made of solid steel.

2.When you have managed to cover up your latest mess and suceeded in avoiding responsibility.

3.Unwittingly,and suddenly your computer flashes a pornographic scene out of nowhere just when your Boss walks in and you know no amount of explanation will convince him.


Vijay- The Midnight Owl

PANICKY

I dont know about you but I could get panicky whan a lady looks at me like this.It's usually time to make a very quiet exit quickly. Vijay- The Midnight Owl

DOES THIS HAPPEN?

I have been in a few relationships myself but I cannot recall anytime in my life when I was close to tears over someone I missed.To be frank,for me it is usually a relief to get away from whoever is closer to you.I hate the clatter of ladies-especially if it is non-stop like my mother and granny's.During those times,I could almost feel like putting some rat poison in my coffee and ending it all.I love the song" Everybody needs some time, away from each other".Now that songwriter is telling us the truth.So unlike the Indian songs.Sometimes they pour petrol on themselves and end their lives because the lover was unavailable.Take my advice. Say Good Riddance.Certainly other prospects will appear in due time

Vijay- The Midnight Owl

THE FACADE.

We devise many ways to diminish the boredom and the monotony that confront us daily.If we in somebody's employment and the Boss is around,your personal freedom to breathe easily is somewhat restricted.In some offices,the most dreaded words are "Here Comes The Boss".So you got to work or at least seem to be working on your computer.And herein lies our genius to kill the dreariness.There are a number of computer games that come with a special feature called the "Boss Key".If you are playing a game,or surfing the Internet,when you are supposed to be working and the Boss walks in,you quickly strike the Boss Key.Your Computer screen changes immediately,hiding what you have been up to.

But the real talent is to put on a completely innocent face whan the Boss actually walks up to our table.

Vijay- The Midnight Owl

FLAUNTING

To put on our best is great, to be looked up and admired,to be the centre of attention.But take care not to flaunt yourself overly.Everyones needs to feel appreciated.Sometimes, a simple greeting is sufficient.It is very affirming for the lonely man or woman.They feel respected and accepted.But in real life, some are not endowed with rainbow colours and all the attention centres around the peacock in the office.Do something special today.Say "hello" to the least impressive person,usually the Plain Jane or the guy with shabby clothes.Being ignored is terrible and they usually suffer in silence.Let their silence break into a smile by what you say today.

Vijay- The Midnight Owl

BEWARE

Of course,manipulating is wrong although it is almost impossible today without being one.A certain degree of manipulation is allright,provided it does not harm anyone or promotes our own course but for the sake of laying down arms.After all,the other word for manupulation is diplomacy.This is a very deft game.If found out,we will inevitably become the object of scorn and resentment. But manupulation that goes on the pubs is dangerous.You arrive,and suddenly you are surrounded by 1 or 2 gorgeous beauties with lovely smiles.Be unguarded at that moment and you will pay the price literally.They are the masters at entangling men with bulging wallets.They literally weave a situation,like a spider weaves its web which is barely noticeable. Then fools walk in. Vijay- The Midnight Owl

A DANGEROUS ILLUSION

I guess we all had our best friends.But as we mature we learn the hard lessons of life-that relationships free from malice,envy.jealousy and are only found in books and movies.Everyone had been hurt by a friendship.Many people were moved to tears while watching the movie "Titanic"- especially the "You jump,I jump",the truth is,it's nothing but a piece of Crap churned out by Hollywood.In real life,you jump-I can wait here.And it's dangerous to have best friends.They tend to swallow you up alive,given the right circumstance.
Vijay- The Midnight Owl

TO DONATE

God spoke to me this morning and told me to lay up my treasures in heaven.And so I have decided to go back to the Mission Field.I have already given up all my earthly possessions, my Car, house, watches,fine clothes but this Blue Diamond Brooch worth RM20,000-I just do not who to give it away to.Does somebody out there need a Blue Diamond Brooch? Vijay- The Midnight Owl.

IT IS TRUE!!

It is regretabble but exagerration is part and parcel of life.We all have done it before.Before the next guy finishes his story,we immediately butt in and contribute our side of the story- the bigger fish that got away.This has nothing to do with facts and figures but rather our egos. Because if there is one thing that we cannot tolerate- it is to be outclassed by other people.And so tales are conceived and born.The amazing thing is this-none of the exagerrations have been thought out in detail- its all spontaneous. And some are really skillful.And the additions and subtractions are weaved in effortlessly.Those who engage in this skill are advised to tone down.because one is usually not aware of the other person.Like the person who narrated to a small group,how the Twin Towers collapsed on Sept 11 2001.He went on and one-the billowing fire,fleeing crowd and the collapsing building.He only toned down when someone told him that Vijay was in New York City that day.


Vijay- The Midnight Owl

THE MIDNIGHT OWL

To all my students,friends,colleagues and visitors to my blogsite my email address is agvijiarajan45@hotmail.com

Advice for the day:

I will spend at least 1/2 an hour today not talking to anybody.I will use that time only to reflect,to be quiet. Have a great Sunday.

RESPONSES

Our emotional temperaments can be traced to how well or badly we deal with the inevitable conflicts that confront us in society.The common ways that people deal with them-trying to avoid all conflict altogether,getting emotional and lashing out,responding in a sly and manipulative way are all somewhat conterproductive in the long run.In fact it makes the situation worse.True,there will always be some Jackass somewhere who ruins our day. The best way to respond in situations like this is to offer no response. But if the other person is in a lower position than you can talk firmly or give a whipping.But with superiors however,you must take a different approach.In all situations, try to maintain your mental balance.Once you lose that balance and give an emotional response- you have lost.
Vijay- The Midnight Owl.

OH MY GOD!

OH MY GOD! NOW I CANT CONCENTRATE ON YOU TONIGHT.ITS ALL YOUR FAULT. VIJAY- THE MIDNIGHT OWL

THE PROBLEM

The problem for us is that we are trained and prepared for peace,and we are not at all for what confronts us in the real world-war.This kind of war exists on several levels.Of course, we all have our rivals on the other side.This world has become increasingly competitive,nasty and devious.It would not be an exagerration to state that many people are actually animals in human form. The horrific number of unsolved murders here in our city is just one example.Most notably Altantuya's.In politics,business and even other profession such as the teaching and the legal profession, we face opponents who will do almost anything to gain an advantage.More troubling and perplexing are the individual battles we face with those who are supposedly on our side.These are those who outwardly paly the team game but who sabotage us behind the scenes. Vijay- The Midnight Owl

HOPE

Hello all ladies out there who have not found your ideal love yet,or the relationship has not worked out,or you are still feeling the pain of rejection and betrayal.Take heart.All this has probably made you a more realistic person and made you much wiser and matured in the process.The next one,I hope will turn out okay.In the meantime,this rose is for you.It means that there is still very much hope.You just have not met the right person yet.But you will- all in due time.And when you do,remember to read my story on "FALLING IN LOVE".There is surely a word of caution there.Ingore that advice, and you will weep bitter tears in time. Vijay-The Midnight Owl

MY IDEAL HOME

This is a picture of my ideal home.I like space,I think that goes for many people too.Nobody likes to feel cramped in.Though I like my present home,it has become too small for me.I would like to have more walking space and a bigger place for my increasing number of books.Also a solid iron vault made in Germany or Switzerland to keep all my loose cash. I hope nobody out there gives me some crap about being satisfied with the little things life. Who know? Maybe I might walk into a bigger home sometime-maybe soon.It may happen. Nope- it must happen and definitely will happen.Because the Astrologer said so. Vijay- The Midnight Owl

MY SACRED TIME.

Another week has passed by- so swiftly again.I did many things,drafting letters,attending Court,meetings Clients and preparing for classes. But now I drop everything-just to be with myself.I love many things but this is the only moment I very much yearn for. This is like my personal oasis from the noisome city.What did I do with my time last week? But for now all activities stop.I need this seclusion now away from the endless clatter and clamour of society.My thoughts are not distracted but there is a little anxiety in my heart- the thoughts of having to face another week and all the unfinished tasks. But for now- I seek the stregth that only Solitude can give.Its almost like I am drawing strength from an invisible friend who has also been waiting for my Company.Meetings friends in the pub is great,enjoying the time with other men and women,fulfilling my responsibilities is greater but most assuredly I tell you,this is the greatest. Vijay- The Midnight Owl.

GORGEOUS

This gorgeous reminded me of a lady one of my friends dated many years ago Iin Penang.They broke off some time after due to "personal likes and dislikes".However, if she did manage to get married,I am sure her husband would have fled the country by now or gone into hiding. Vijay - The Midnight Owl

SLOTH

Of course,at times its great to just to wear our sarongs,laze around,eat,relax, watch the TV and don't care about anything else.But the danger is this.Those detachments tends to be addictive-and sleepiness is just one example.When one loses the reisitance against sleepiness,the mind descends into inertia, which I believe is dangerous.In such moments we tend to agree with everyone just to avoid a disagreement and get them out of our way quickly.Because mental sloth has set in.Remember- dont let the good things in life be your undoing.In society,it is dangerous today to be unalert.One needs mental sharpness to survive in society today.Surrender to sloth in any form, mental or physical and the decay sets in soon and you will be resembling like the guy in the picture here. Vijay- The Midnight Owl

SMILE

FALLING IN LOVE

When falling in love,remember the one whom you have fallen in love with is capable of transformation and revealing their real stripes later on.Don't feel alarmed.It happens in all relationships. After all everyone in society have their own stripes.Unfortunately,the stripes show only when the pressure is on.Udsually when the familiarity sets in and the magic of romance is diminishing.Love is a very wonderful thing.But the other side of the coin is this.It is by far very much easier to hate the ones whom we love most.Because love,under presurre can cross the boundary and become hate.It has happened so many times.So when you do decide to admit love into your life,make sure that do no end up embracing a monster with too many stripes. Vijay- The Midnight Owl.

TEMPERS

Learn to keep your temper under control.Each time you are in disagreement or others did not do things your way,or see your point of view-do not immediately bare your fangs and growl fiercely.It just proves that you are ruled by negative emotions which inevitable cloud your reasoning faculties.The next time you find yourself in such a situation,take a deep breath and resist that rising spirit within you.Do this and you will not lose your personal peace.Such responses will exhaust you emotionally and feelings of resentment will linger on throughout the day-sometimes several days.Ignore this advice,and others will start pushing your buttons,sometimes without knowing it, and literally rob you of your peace of mind. Vijay- The Midnight Owl

SAILING AWAY

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.So throw off the bowlines.Sail away from the safe harbour.Catch the trade winds in your sails.Explore.Dream.Discover."

It's pretty dangerous to accept statements at face value without analyzing them first.Of course sailing way,sounds very,very exciting.But Mark Twain forgot to tell us that many ships which left the safe harbour and caught those winds returned, all in a total shipwreck.Of course some ships will not return, because they discovered the winds were too powerful and they really had little or no expertise to steer the ship out of the merciless,unforgiving storm.The result? Many ships found its way to the bottom of the ocean and to lay there for ever.Think carefully before you sail away from the safe harbour.Better to be safe and feeling at home in familiar turf than to be sailing away without having a clue as to your destination. Vijay- The Midnight Owl.

AMERICAN GANDHI

My name is etched in World History.I gave slaves their freedom.Mahatma Gandhi,my brother did the same for India too.But his war was totally different.While the Americam Civil War was fought with guns and cannons,my brother Gandhi fought his war without firing a single shot.In fact,in world history that was was the only war,which was fought on such a large scale,that was won without any firepower.Very humbling for all military minds.

But as brothers,Gandhi and me shared a common destiny.For what we won for mankind, both Gandhi and me paid the ultimate price- a bullet in our heads,our lives were just snuffed out. We departed in humiliation.The truth is no victory can be won without some sort of painful personal sacrifice.Even God could not escape from this timeless principle.The Cross is an example.

SUDANESE PROVERB

There are two kinds of stupid people in the world- those who lend books and those who return them.

CHANGE OF MIND

It was Dr.M himself who personally handpicked Datuk Badawi but how soon his support for the Premier waned.His unending scathing critisms and disagreements with the newly formed Goverment.Although Dr.M made his point,the disappointing thing is this- he claimed that after his resignation he would not exert his influence on the next premier or on UMNO.He was finished with politics.And the majority of Malaysians believed him.But then Datuk Badawi was a disappointment too. He claimed that the romantic rumours about him and his present wife were not true.There was nothing between them.And then,suddenly- announcement of their marriage- splashed all over the daily news.
Learn the lesson- be upfront and transparent or dont make any comments at all.Start scheming and our trustability becomes history.

PLANET MARS

This is the surface of the Planet Mars captured by NASA.I hope someday they will built some shoplots and terrace houses over there.I will most likely purchase one.It would definitely be prestigious to own one house over here and one house on Mars.Sure looks peaceful and there is a lot of land up there.If they decide to develop Mars,Conveyancing Lawyers will probably have a lot of paperwork at hand. Vijay- The Midnight Owl.

LONELINESS

When all is said and done, the best guarantee of a long and healthy life may be the connections you have with other people.John Cacioppo, a neuroscientist at the University of Chicago and coauthor of a new book, Loneliness:Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection, talked with U.S. News about the latest research on how relationships affect physical health.

You point out that, oddly enough, loneliness also makes us less socially adept. How?
Lonely adults have the same social skills as nonlonely adults, but they don't deploy them as appropriately. We think that lonely individuals feel threatened, and because of that feeling of threat, they're not certain they can trust others. When you see something positive happening to others, you're not sure if you're included, so you're aloof, demanding, or critical.

ON BULLSHIT-1

One of the most salient and noticeable features of our culture is that there is so much Bullshit.Everyone knows this.Each of us contributes his own share.Most people are rather confident of their ability to recognize Bullshit and to avoid being taken in by it.So the phenomenon has not aroused much concern nor attracted a private investigation on this disturbing and elusive topic.
In consequence,we have no clear understanding of what Bullshit is,why there is so much of it,and what function it serves.And we lack a developed appreciation of what it means to us.In other words we have no clue and no precise theory.So I propose to begin the development of a theoretical understanding of Bullshit,mainly by providing some philosophical analysis.I shall not consider the rhetorical uses and misuses of Bullshit.My aim is simply to give this topic a proper investigation and to articulate understandably,more or less sketchily,the structure and nature of its concept.[to be continued]

DID YOU HAVE TO DO THIS?

An apparently disturbed worker was mauled to death by three tigers at the Singapore Zoo on Thursday when he deliberately jumped into their enclosure,the zoo officials said.Visitors watched in horror as three white tigers pounced on Nordin Montong,32,who was said to have entered the enclosure where the tigers were kept.Zoo workers rushed to rescue him by distracting the tigers but he was already dead by then.
It appears that the victim was edgy that morning and told his collegues-" I won't be seeing you again"

THE PERFECT EXISTENCE

We all have our favourite movies,which linger on in our memories for many years.My favourite is The Invisible Man.The main character played an elaborate game of hide-and-seek, just staying out of reach of mere mortals"cursed" with a visible nature.To have a visible presence,he just wore clothes and wrapped his face in bandages.When it was time to escape,he simply removed everything, and voila! he disappears into thin air!That is just so fantastic.Just imagine-walking into office and nobody knows you are there.And just imagine the problems it will solve! Here comes the Landlord or the Income Tax man- clothes off. Yahoo!See you around-Jackass!! Vijay- The Midnight Owl

THE SIGN

And Simeon said to Mary,"This Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel,and for a sign which shall be spoken against.And indeed,a sword shall pierce through your own soul, and the thoughts on many hearts shall be revealed."
LUKE-2:34-35